Geotextile Characterization and Pore-Size Distribution: Part I. A Review of Manufacturing Processes

Abstract

The rapidly growing geotextile industry has led to a variety of new geotextile manufacturing processes and products. Many of these geotextiles have similar physical properties (mass per unit area and thickness) but have completely different pore-size distributions. The two main types of geotextiles, woven and nonwoven, have very different pore structures. In addition, the pore openings of both woven and nonwoven geotextiles are dependent on the fiber type and the manufacturing process. Designers must be aware of the differences in pore structure of various types of geotextiles in order to properly select a geotextile for filtration applications. Manufacturers must also be aware that changes in the manufacturing process of a geotextile will alter the pore-size distribution of the geotextile.